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November is pet cancer awareness month

News from the Shelter

Posted:
10/26/2012 01:15:27 PM MDT

About 50 percent of dogs over the age of 10 will experience cancer, according to the Veterinary Cancer Society.

Veterinary Cancer Care, P.C., New Mexico's only specialty cancer treatment clinic, is working to educate the community about cancer in pets, and is promoting National Pet Cancer Awareness Month in November.

"Cancer is a very scary diagnosis, especially when it's for your beloved dog or cat, and early detection is so important," said practice founder and veterinary oncologist Jeannette Kelly, DVM, DACVIM. "We are reaching out to the community to help educate everyone about the warning signs, as well as steps they can take to help prevent cancer in their pets. We also want people to understand that many good treatments are available, that a cancer diagnosis doesn't need to be a death sentence for their pet," Kelly continues.

Dogs and cats experience many of the same kinds of cancers as humans, and consequently many of the drugs that successfully treat human cancers are also used in pets.

But proper care, including exercise, good nutrition, early spaying of female dogs, and regular veterinarian checkups are vital to helping prevent cancer in pets.

In support of National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Kelly is speaking to Santa Fe area Kennel Clubs and other community organizations in an effort to share this important information and teach people how to detect potential problems early.

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Cancer in pets

Approximately 62 percent of U.S. households have at least one dog or cat, and these pets are generally treated as family members by their humans.

Thanks to the love and care they receive companion animals are living longer, and as a result, some develop age-related diseases such as cancer.

Just as in humans, cancer is most common in older dogs and cats, and it is often treated with the same medications used for humans.

Fortunately, dogs and cats often do not suffer the bad side effects of these drugs, and many people report that their pets seem to feel better once they begin treatment. For the 10 common signs of cancer in companion animals, please visit www.vetcancercare.com/about-cancer/

Veterinary care

Founded in 2004 by Kelly, Veterinary Cancer Care, P.C., has treated thousands of dogs and cats with cancer.

The only specialty cancer treatment clinic in New Mexico, Veterinary Cancer Care sees patients in its facilities in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

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